Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Italian Sausage
Experience a delightful blend of flavors with these Stuffed Zucchini Boats filled with savory Italian sausage, fresh veggies, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a burst of freshness with each bite. Serve these vibrant zucchini boats as a side or a main dish and impress your guests with the delicious fusion of flavors and textures.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
3 (Medium size, cut in half and seeds scooped out)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For drizzling)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Italian sausage
8 ounces (Ground)
Scallions
4 ounces (Chopped)
Tomatoes
8 ounces (Diced)
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Shredded (or use provolone, havarti, fontina, cheddar))
Fresh basil
1 ounce (Chopped)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (For flavoring)
Parmesan cheese
2 ounces (Grated (optional))
Pine nuts
2 ounces (Toasted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating 'boats'.
3
Drizzle the scooped zucchini halves with olive oil, then season them with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear the zucchini on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped scallions, diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and toasted pine nuts.
6
Add the cooked sausage to the vegetable and cheese mixture, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
7
Carefully spoon the sausage mixture into each zucchini boat, filling them generously. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini.
8
Arrange the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The dish is Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Italian Sausage, featuring a blend of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of ground Italian sausage.
How many zucchinis are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 medium-sized zucchinis.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the zucchini boats?
Wash the zucchini, cut them in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds to create the boat shape.
Should I pre-cook the zucchini before stuffing?
Yes, drizzle the zucchini with olive oil and grill or pan-sear them on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
How should the Italian sausage be cooked?
Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
What ingredients are in the vegetable and cheese mixture?
The mixture includes chopped scallions, diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and toasted pine nuts.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, havarti, fontina, or cheddar cheese.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 ounces of toasted pine nuts.
How long do the stuffed zucchini boats need to bake?
Bake them for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the dish is ready to be removed from the oven?
The boats are ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is there a specific way to season the zucchini?
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste before the initial sear.
What is the purpose of the crushed red pepper flakes?
They are used for flavoring and adding a slight heat to the dish.
Is the Parmesan cheese mandatory?
No, the 2 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese are optional for sprinkling on top.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, these vibrant zucchini boats can be served as either a side dish or a hearty main dish.
What is the preparation for the scallions?
The 4 ounces of scallions should be chopped.
How much fresh basil is required?
The recipe calls for 1 ounce of chopped fresh basil.
How much olive oil is used?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for drizzling and preparation.
Should I let the boats cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let them cool slightly after removing them from the oven before serving warm.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of diced tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and a vegetable-focused dish.
How long does the initial searing of the zucchini take?
It takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat.
Can I use a spoon for the stuffing process?
Yes, carefully spoon the sausage mixture into each boat, filling them generously.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a fusion of savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and rich melted cheese.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknights.
Are the pine nuts raw or toasted?
The recipe specifically calls for toasted pine nuts.
What is the role of the mozzarella?
It acts as the primary binding and melting cheese for the stuffing mixture.
Can I customize the heat level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preference for spiciness.